The Japanese government's recent decision to expand the residency status for foreign workers with specified skills has been well-received by the business community. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will effectively address the labor shortages in the country, which are exacerbated by a declining population. The government has decided to broaden the sectors covered by the Type 2 status, which is granted to highly skilled individuals who have passed skill tests. General workers are given the Type 1 status, allowing them to live in Japan for up to five years. In contrast, Type 2 status holders can renew their residency indefinitely and are even allowed to bring their families to the country. The recent decision includes nine new sectors, such as automobile repair and maintenance, aviation, accommodations, agriculture, and food services, within the scope of the Type 2 status. The chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Masakazu Tokura, emphasized the i...

Attention to those who have been affected by the nuclear power plant accident announced by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO). TEPCO has recently announced additional compensation for nuclear damage compensation in response to the decision by the Nuclear Damage Compensation Dispute Review Board to the "Fifth Supplement to the Interim Guidelines for Determining the Scope of Nuclear Damage Caused by the Fukushima Daiichi and Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accidents of Tokyo Electric Power Company (Revision of Guidelines Based on Final Judgments in Class Action Lawsuits)." If you have been affected and wish to claim compensation, it is important to note that the city cannot handle requests for compensation and other procedures. Claims cannot be made on the spot, and you will need to follow the steps below to make a claim: 1.     Confirm your current address and household composition. 2.     Receive an invoice from TEPCO. 3.   ...